Compare Annapurna Base Camp Trek- 14 Days by Outfitter Nepal vs Washington’s San Juan Islands at a Slower Pace by Road Scholar

Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu airport transfer to hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel

You will be met & greeted by our airport representative who will be on standby to pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. Your evening is free and after you’ve refreshed, you can go for a stroll down the street to get familiar with your surroundings. Window shopping would be a good start to look around. Your first overnight in the valley of temples & cows. Probably the most in the world; however, these unusual sights are sometimes welcome & interesting.

Day 2: Full day sightseeing of Kathmandu valley & an orientation:

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel, Hours: 6

After having breakfast at hotel, we take you for the sightseeing tour in Kathmandu Valley; you will be escorted by a professional guide and Your tour will include Kathmandu Durbar Square, Monkey Temple - Swayambhunath (note, there are real monkeys down here & they can be a pain in the neck, especially if you are munching something while climbing the steps to the temple; whatever your munching could vanish from your hands in seconds if you’re not careful and the best way to appease these monkeys is by buying some bananas from vendors just by the roadside to the temple & distribute them on your way up, they’d be happy & leave you alone). Pashupatinath Temple and Baudhanath Stupa. The Pashupatinath is a significant place of visit because this is a heritage site & is the most important religious site for Hindus in Nepal & India and within the boundaries of this temple are cremation zones where the bodies of Nepalese, right from the pauper on the streets to the king of Nepal are cremated at this old temple. In the early evening we get back to our hotel & refresh after which your trek leader will meet the group & orient you on the whole program related to your trip. You will even have sufficient time to buy some trek gear if you need any in Thamel area.

Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (200 Kilometers west of Kathmandu):

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel, Hours: 6

After having early breakfast at hotel, we start our drive and the drive goes along the scenic Trisuli and Marsyangdi River to reach Pokhara, it’s a pretty good drive as we go by the beautiful river which is also good for rafting; we view Ganesh Himal and the Manaslu peak as well We drive along the scenic Trisuli and Marsyangdi River to reach Pokhara, it’s a pretty good drive as we go by the beautiful river which is also good for rafting; we view Ganesh Himal and the Manaslu peak as well during the Driving. Pokhara is a tourist's paradise full of natural as well as cultural heritage sites such as lakes, caves, & temples of Buddhist and Hindus along with her lovely mountains; after 6 hours of driving; we will arrive in Pokhara, the city of lakes, welcome to this beautiful town of serene lakes that gives so much meaning to your holidays, overnight at your Hotel.

Day 4: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul and Trek to Tikhedunga:

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house/ Lodge, Hours: 5 Max. Altitude: 1577

After having breakfast at the hotel, we start to drive to Nayapul which takes approximately one and half hours, we then start the first part of our hiking out to Tikhedunga (1577M) Via Birethanti (1065m.) this is a pretty easy flat out hike as we pass through several small lively villages and settlements, after some time, we will ascend gently to the final destination of the day, overnight at Guesthouse.

Day 5: Trek to Ghorepani:

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accomodation: Tea house/ Lodge, Hours: 6 Max. Altitude: 2800

After having hot breakfast at lodge, we start trek and ascend steeply for the first 2 hours then ascend gently passing through Ulleri (2070m.) and Banthanti, villages. This path gives breathtaking views of Machhapuchhare or Fish Tail (6997m.), Hiunchuli (6441m.), and the grand Annapurna (7219m) south on the way. Our trekking trail now gets quite easy going as we pass through rhododendron and shadowy forests amidst the cackling of birds which gives us good feelings till we ascend gently up to the final camp to the Ghorepani, check into the Lodge and overnight at Guesthouse.

Day 6: Hike to Poonhill and trek to Tadapani:

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house/ Lodge, Hours: 6 Max. Altitude: 3210

Today, we hike to Poonhill (3232m.) to enjoy the sunrise views over Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m.), Tukuche Peak (6920m.), Nilgiri (6940m.), Varaha Shikhar (7847m.), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Annapurna III (7855m.), Machhapuchhare (6993m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.), Lamjung Himal (6931m.) and other numerous snow capped mountains in the morning. Poonhill has always been a symbol of beauty for the Annapurna region then we will return down to Ghorepani and have a hot breakfast at our lodge and trek to Tadapani (2650m.). Most part of the trail we trek is through blooming rhododendron forest; the beautiful flower makes the jungle colorful in spring when they bloom, check in to the lodge in Tadapani and overnight at Guesthouse.

Day 7: Trek from Tadapani to Chhomrong:

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel, Hours: 6 Max. Altitude: 2675

After having breakfast at lodge, we start the trek and enjoy our hike by descending gently all the way through rhododendron, oak and other kinds of dense forests along the trail, We hear the chirping of different kinds of birds on the way to Kimrung Khola. We then straightaway ascend steeply and walk at a flat level for 45 minutes with gentle steep paths in-between and flat all the way to Chomrong which the gateway to Annapurna Base Camp., check into the Lodge and overnight at lodge.

Day 8: Trek from Chhomrong to Himalaya:

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house/ Lodge, Hours: 7 Max. Altitude: 3500

After having breakfast at lodge, we start our trek; the trekking trail descends on a stone stairway for the first one and half hour and crosses the Chhomrong Khola on a suspension bridge, then climbs out of the side valley. High above the Modi Khola on its west bank, the trail passes through forests of bamboo, rhododendron and oak, then we climb further on a rocky path, we will reach Sinuwa, at 2350m & then we trek gently through the forest and descend a long, steep stone staircase into deep bamboo and rhododendron forests to reach Bamboo and walk on gently up towards Dovan and Himalaya, check into the lodge.

Day 9: Trek from Himalaya to Annapurna Base Camp:

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house/ Lodge, Hours: 7 Max. Altitude: 4130

After having breakfast at lodge, we start our trek, the valley widens and becomes less steep and we will see the gates to the sanctuary from here as the trail continues into the sanctum, it crosses two avalanche tracks on a narrow trail that hurdles up against the cliffs. After a short trek we will be at Bagar (3310m.), a green meadow with some abandoned hotels. The normal trail follows the left side of the valley. Now the trail appears gently ascending until Machhapuchare Base Camp (3820m.) Which is one place where we enjoy some of the best landscapes in the venture; we will enjoy the view of Mount Hiunchuli (6441m.), Annapurna South (7229m.), Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna III (7555m.), Gangapurna (7454m.) and Machhapuchhare or Fish Tail (6997m.). The path follows through alpine meadows and after some distance our trails go gently up. After a short trek, we begin to approach Annapurna Base Camp at (4170m.), congratulation that you now have reached the Annapurna Base Camp, the destination of our holiday, overnight at Guesthouse.

Day 10: Trekking from Annapurna Base Camp to Dovan:

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house/ Lodge, Hours: 7 Max. Altitude: 2630

We will have great views of the Himalayas with sunrise in Annapurna base camp then we will have breakfast and ready to return trekking to Dove that takes about five hours and much easier as we go down. You should have no problem reaching Sinuwa from Annapurna Base Camp in a single day however; we have chosen this route as some trekkers may have problem on going down due to shaking or wobbling legs that could be fatigued, check in to the lodge and overnight at Guesthouse.

Day 11: Trekking from Dovan to Jhinudanda:

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Tea house/ Lodge, Hours: 6 Max. Altitude: 1800

After having breakfast at lodge, we start our trek to Jhinu dada, the trekking trail is a descent till Bamboo passing through forests with varieties of rhododendron, oaks and bamboo plants then, after Bamboo, the trail goes steeply up an hour and the trail is quite flat until Sinuwa. We trek gradually descending to the Chhumrong Khola and we have to follow a stone staircase for almost an hour to reach Chhumrong village, the last part of the trail is steep down to Jhinudanda. We check into our rooms at the guest house then we could go to the Hot Springs to take a refreshing bath in the warm salt waters, overnight at Guesthouse.

Day 12: Trek from Jhinudanda to Nayapul and drive to Pokhara:

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel, Hours: 6

After having breakfast at guest house in Jhinu, we start our trekking and the first part of the trek is lttle descent then flat level trail until Birethati along with the bank of the river, we will stop at Birethati for lunch and after walking about 30 minutes to Nayapul, there will be our car/van waiting for us to take us back to the civilization, Pokhara the city of lakes and natural wonders, overnight at hotel..

Day 13: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu:

Accommodation: Hotel Hours: 6 Meals: Breakfast

You will have early breakfast at hotel in Pokhara and Our tourist bus leaves at 7 AM to drive us to Kathmandu and the driving will be a fantastic experience as we drive past many satellite towns on the way and we are able to see rural settlements, gushing rivers, terraces and green rural landscapes; after 6 hours driving we will arrive Kathmandu and its overnight at your hotel.

Day 14: Transfer to airport for your departure:

Meals: Breakfast

You will be transferred to the international airport for your final departure to your loving home. OUTFITTER NEPAL has taken pleasure in serving you all of these weeks; you counted on us & we didn’t let you down because we know how hard you’ve worked to enjoy this holiday. Meeting you was an immense pleasure & we do hope you will remember us down the years with memories of the time you’ve spent in this amazing country that’s Nepal. A safe BON VOYAGE home…takes care!!!.

Day 1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Seattle D Radisson Hotel Seattle Airport
Activity note: Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Program Registration & Orientation: After you have your room assignment, head to the conference room at 5:00 p.m. to register with the Road Scholar program staff, which is also where our Orientation session will take place. You’ll receive a welcome packet with your name-tag, up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, and other important information. If you will arrive later than 8:00 p.m., please ask for your packet when you check in. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: In the Conference Dining Room, we’ll enjoy a catered buffet meal featuring green salad, an entrée, sides, and a choice of dessert, plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Day 2
Seafarer's Memorial Park, Ferry to San Juan Island
Friday Harbor, San Juan Island B,L,D Earthbox Inn & Spa
Activity note: Walking approx. 1/2 mile throughout the day; mostly paved trails and paths; periods of standing for less than 1/2 hour. Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approximately 100 miles from Seattle to Anacortes; about 2.5 hours. Getting on/off ferry; ride is approx. 20 miles from Anacortes to Friday Harbor; about 1.5 hours. Short shuttle ride from ferry to Friday Harbor hotel.

Breakfast: In the Conference Room, the extensive breakfast buffet features a variety of choices, including an egg dish, breakfast meats and breads, fresh fruit, yogurt, hot and cold cereals, plus milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: On our way to San Juan Island via motorcoach after checking out of the hotel, we’ll stop at the Seafarer's Memorial Park in Anacortes, WA. At Seafarer's Park, we'll learn from a local resident expert about the evolution and importance of Anacortes' maritime industries.

Lunch: At Seafarer's Park in Anacortes, WA, we’ll have a catered picnic lunch served buffet-style, with soft drinks, juice, water.

Afternoon: We'll then board the Washington State ferry bound for San Juan Island. You may wish to enjoy the view of the National Scenic Byway through a tapestry of Islands from the inside passenger cabins or from the outside decks as we take our 1.5 hour journey through the archipelago to Friday Harbor. Upon arrival at the dock in the late afternoon, we’ll make a quick transfer via shuttle check into the hotel.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a tasty buffet meal featuring salad, a main entrée, sides, vegetables, and dessert, plus coffee, hot and iced tea, milk, water. You may bring other beverages of your own with you.

Evening: We’ll then be joined in the hotel conference room by a local resident expert who will offer an insider’s look at contemporary life in the Islands and explores issues affecting island life.

Day 3
San Juan Island History, Inter-Island Ferry Trip
Friday Harbor, San Juan Island B,L,D Earthbox Inn & Spa
Activity note: Walking approx. 1/2 mile to/from ferry; mostly paved walkways and sidewalks. Getting on/off a ferry; ride is approximately 3 hours; some stairs aboard.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we’ll have a breakfast buffet with choices including an egg dish, hot and cold cereals, breakfast breads and spreads, and a variety of fresh fruits, plus juice, milk, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: Through a visit from a local wildlife expert, we’ll settle into the hotel conference room to learn about the natural history of the San Juan Islands. After a short break, we’ll walk to the San Juan Island Historical Museum to view artifacts from days gone by, learn more from the executive director of the museum about the industries of San Juan Island, and visit historic buildings on the grounds.

Lunch: At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet meal featuring a soup of the day, salad, and dessert, topped off with coffee, tea, water. You may bring other beverages of your own with you.

Afternoon: We’ll then set out from the hotel and walk approx. 5 blocks to the dock where we will board the inter-island ferry for a field trip as it chugs through the islands. On-deck narration will be provided by a naturalist who will be happy to answer any questions you may have while also helping to spot marine and wildlife as we cruise the islands.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a tasty buffet meal featuring salad, an entrée, sides, and dessert, plus coffee, hot and iced tea, water. You may bring other beverages of your own with you.

Evening: Gathering in the conference room with a local resident expert associated with the Port of Friday Harbor, we’ll engage in a presentation on the history of the water trade in the San Juan Islands. We’ll focus on some legitimate business trade and some smuggling, both of which had significant impacts on the archipelago.

Day 4
San Juan Island Excursion, Musical Farewell Program
Friday Harbor, San Juan Island B,L,D Earthbox Inn & Spa
Activity note: Walking up to 1.5 miles throughout the day; some paved, some uneven pathways, dirt trails with exposed rock and tree roots. Getting on/off mini-buses; driving approx. 55 miles total; 5 ride segments of about 1/2 hour each between stops.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: Then, we’ll set out via mini-buses for a field trip with our Group Leader around the south end of San Juan Island to American Camp National Park where we will stop at the Visitor’s Center for an overview of the Pig War, during which both American and British troops occupied the island. Afterwards, we’ll walk to the redoubt area and view the remaining American Camp structures. Next, we’ll head to Pelindaba Lavender Farm where we will hear first-hand from the owner/operator about how this Lavender Farm came to be, why the farm fills an unserved niche, and how it sustains the local community. Additionally, we learn how the lavender is grown, harvested and how it is used in final products. As we cross the island toward Limekiln Lighthouse, we’ll keep an eye out for wildlife along the scenic west coast of the island.

Lunch: At the Limekiln Lighthouse, we’ll have sack lunches featuring a sandwich, fruit, chips, bakery treat, and bottled water.

Afternoon: Our field trip will continue with our Group Leader at Limekiln Point State Park, one of the best places in the world to view whales from land, and home to Orca research outpost and lighthouse. Keeping an eye out for the whales as they search for their main food source, salmon, we’ll make our way with our Group Leader to the lighthouse research center to see the studies being done on Orcas. Continuing, we'll travel to the northern tip of San Juan Island to explore the National Historical Park at English Camp with our Group Leader. While here, we’ll see the parade grounds, formal garden, historical buildings, and the blockhouse, all of which remain from the times of British occupation. As we look around, we’ll take note of contrasts with the American encampment we saw earlier on the south end of the island. We'll then return to Friday Harbor where the remainder of the afternoon will be free for independent exploration. You may wish to visit the Whale Museum, explore the town, or just relax.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll have a tasty buffet meal for our farewell dinner, with, coffee, tea, water. You may bring other beverages of your own with you. Share some of your favorite experiences from the program with new Road Scholar friends.

Evening: Joined by a beloved local musician in the hotel conference room, we’ll be treated to an exclusive musical performance to round out our program. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.

Day 5
Program Concludes
Friday Harbor, San Juan Island B
Activity note: Hotel check-out by 7:15 a.m. Ferry transfer to Anacortes, WA, is approx. 20 miles; about 1.5 hours. Driving approx. 100 miles from Anacortes to Seattle; about 2.5 hours. Drop-offs at SeaTac International Airport and the starting hotel will be at approximately 12:30 p.m. and 12:45 p.m., respectively. Scheduling outbound flights after 2:30 p.m. is advised.

Breakfast: Early hotel buffet.

Morning: Once checked-out of the hotel, we’ll depart Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, via the Washington State Ferry. Upon docking in Anacortes, we’ll transfer to a chartered motorcoach and ride to Seattle with drop-offs at SeaTac International Airport and the starting hotel. This concludes our program. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!